The Gold Coast community is being reminded of the dangers and legal consequences of laser misuse after a 73-year-old man was charged in connection with an alleged laser strike incident targeting a police helicopter.
The Gold Coast community is being reminded of the dangers and legal consequences of laser misuse after a 73-year-old man was charged in connection with an alleged laser strike incident targeting a police helicopter.
The incident occurred on Thursday night at approximately 10:30PM, as POLAIR, the Queensland Police Service's air support unit, was conducting routine patrols over the Labrador area. According to police, the aircraft was allegedly targeted by a laser beam from the ground, prompting immediate action.
POLAIR’s highly trained crew quickly pinpointed the laser's origin, guiding ground officers to a nearby address. Police units were dispatched to the location, where they confronted the suspect. Upon questioning, the man allegedly admitted to pointing a laser at the helicopter.
The individual was arrested and charged with possessing a restricted item and threatening the safety of an aircraft. He is scheduled to appear before the Southport Magistrates Court on October 14 to answer these charges.
Laser strikes pose a significant threat to aviation safety, as the concentrated beam of light can distract or temporarily blind pilots, particularly during critical flight operations such as takeoffs, landings, or patrol missions. In some cases, laser incidents have led to accidents or near-misses.
The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) classifies pointing a laser at an aircraft as a serious offence, with penalties including heavy fines and potential imprisonment. The use of high-powered laser devices is tightly regulated, and misuse is considered both reckless and criminal.
Under Australian law, laser pointers are classified as restricted items in many states, including Queensland. Penalties for improper possession or use can include:
The specific charges in this case—possession of a restricted item and threatening aircraft safety—highlight the gravity of the offence.
The Gold Coast Torch will continue to follow this story and provide updates, including the outcome of the Southport Magistrates Court proceedings on October 14.